In the neon-lit hallways of JYP Entertainment, where dreams hung thick in the air and music pulsed like heartbeats, Y/n found herself trapped in the bittersweet tapestry of love and unrequited longing. She had been training diligently for years, pouring her soul into every dance move and every note, all the while standing in the shadow of Seungmin, her friend and fellow trainee.
Seungmin was an idol in every sense: charming, talented, and with an infectious smile that could brighten the darkest day. He was everything Y/n aspired to be, and yet, he was something else—her heart's secret. Despite his laughter, his playful teasing, and the small moments they shared between practice sessions, Y/n felt the unmistakable weight of her one-sided feelings.
They had met years ago in a training room, both nervously stammering their introductions amidst a group of new trainees. Seungmin had taken her hand to shake it, and she swore she could feel electric sparks dance between them. From that moment, she admired him from afar, each smile and glance he offered to ignite a flame within her that refused to be extinguished.
"What's wrong?" Seungmin's voice broke her from her trance. He stood in front of her, slightly frowning with concern. They were in the studio late, the fluorescent lights flickering off the polished floors as they prepared for their upcoming debut stages.
"Nothing," Y/n lied, forcing a smile as she brushed her hair behind her ear. "Just tired."
"You need to get more sleep," he said, leaning against the wall, his brows slightly knit together. "I can't lose you to exhaustion before we even make our debut."
His concern felt like a warm embrace, yet it also served as a painful reminder of the imbalance in their relationship. She was his friend; he was her everything. And a part of her, deep down, knew that he loved someone else. She had overheard the whispers of his admiration for a fellow trainee, Yumi, whose captivating beauty and effortless talent made her the envy of everyone, herself included.
"I'm just excited about the debut! It's going to be epic!" she said, her voice slightly quivering.
"You are going to be amazing," Seungmin reassured, reaching out to ruffle her hair playfully, a gesture that made her heart race and ache simultaneously.
As the months passed, Y/n watched the affection between Seungmin and Yumi blossom, each shared a laugh and lingering gaze piercing her heart like shards of glass. She often found herself retreating into her thoughts, rehearsing scenarios in which she confessed her feelings, only to abandon them as quickly as they came. Each time he spoke about Yumi, her heart twisted in knots, yet she wore a brave face, desperately wanting to support his happiness.
One evening, after a particularly grueling dance practice, Hana found Seungmin sitting on the floor, his head in his hands. Concern gripped her heart, and she hurried to his side.
"Seungmin, what's wrong?" she asked softly, sitting down beside him.
"I feel like I'm failing..." he breathed, his voice fragile. "We have so much pressure on us. What if I can't live up to everyone's expectations? What if I let down the group?"
"You won't," she assured him, reaching out to squeeze his shoulder. "We're a team. We'll always support each other."
His eyes met hers, and for a fleeting moment, the air was thick with unspoken words. But then he sighed and looked away, the moment fading as quickly as it had come.
Time slipped by, and amid the chaos of preparation for their debut, Y/n learned to compartmentalize her feelings. She dedicated herself to her craft wholeheartedly, channeling her unrequited love into her performances, transforming pain into art. She poured everything into her dance, her voice, her persona—trying desperately to capture the attention of fans while knowing her heart remained tethered to someone who could never reciprocate her love.
Finally, the day of their debut arrived, and the anticipation pulsed through the air like static electricity. As the curtains lifted, the stage illuminated, revealing a sea of glowing light sticks and feverish fans. But Y/n's heart was heavy. In the spotlight, she could see Seungmin shining, his smile radiant, the surrounding glow brighter than any spotlight could create. He was onstage, and the world was adoring him—just as it was meant to be.
As they performed, Y/n caught glimpses of Yumi in the crowd, cheering passionately, and the pang of envy surged through her, sharp and unrelenting. Yet, as the music blasted and the cheers filled her ears, she found solace in the harmony of the moment. She sang with all her heart, pouring every fragment of herself into the performance, her passion weaving through the notes.
The climax of their performance arrived, and in a spectacular finish, Y/n and Seungmin stood side by side, their voices blending. As the final note trailed off, their eyes met, and for a brief heartbeat, she thought she saw a flicker of something more in his gaze.
But it was gone as quickly as it had come.
Later that night, as the adrenaline from their debut began to fade, Y/n found herself wandering the halls of the company, lost in thought. She paused outside a practice room, the soft sound of laughter coming from inside. She peered through the glass and saw Seungmin and Yumi, giggling, their bodies close as they shared a moment that made her heart splinter.
Y/n turned away, stepping back into the shadows, the weight of her feelings crashing over her in waves. She felt small, invisible in the grandeur of their world. Yet, deep inside, she understood that unrequited love, while painful, could still be a beautiful thing. It taught her resilience, the power of admiration, and the importance of cherishing relationships—no matter how fleeting they may be.
She took a deep breath, steadied herself, and walked away, her heart still heavy but somehow lighter for knowing she could continue to love him without the need for reciprocation. After all, in this world of glitz and glamour, her love for Seungmin was a melody all its own, and though it remained unspoken, it echoed in the quiet corners of her heart.
Maybe in another universe, he sees me
